The Southeastern Oregon Mineral Withdrawal and Economic Preservation and Development Act also calls for creating and expanding programs meant to support communities in that region “so they can grow their traditional economies and build on their strengths,” according to a news release.
Those programs would include grants to develop efficient water storage systems for livestock; to improve roads for farmers and agriculture businesses; and to train veterans and young people for farming and ranching jobs. The bill also seeks to establish the Agriculture Center for Excellence in Malheur County to expand local agriculture research.
The bill comes as debate heats up over a separate proposal from conservation and recreation groups to permanently protect about 2.5 million acres of the Owyhee Canyonlands. That proposal prompted a state legislative committee hearing last month in Salem and has sparked intense opposition from cattle groups that charge that it will eventually lead to a loss of ranching in the area...more
This is how the Organ Mountains in NM should have been protected.
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